Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days each week. This is helpful for those who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.